Whiteboard animation has become a popular medium for engaging storytelling, offering a unique, visually stimulating way to present ideas. It’s widely used for explainer videos, educational content, and social media marketing. But for 3D artists, the challenge is in replicating the simplicity of hand-drawn imagery with the sophisticated tools at their disposal. This article will cover everything you need to know about whiteboard animation, from its definition to how to create it using both traditional and 3D techniques.
Whiteboard animation is a video style where illustrations are drawn on a whiteboard (or white background) in real-time, typically accompanied by narration. The visuals seem to be hand-drawn on the spot, which enhances the storytelling by directly linking the image creation to the narration. This form of animation is widely used for explainer videos, tutorials, and brand storytelling because it simplifies complex concepts into easily digestible visual information.
After Skool on Youtube is a great example of the allure and accessibility of Whiteboard Animation:
In the traditional sense, whiteboard animation is filmed live, with artists drawing the images as a camera records. However, most modern whiteboard animations are created digitally using drag-and-drop software, allowing for faster production and easy revisions.
For 3D users, creating whiteboard animation opens new possibilities. Using 3D models can help you quickly achieve the precision and detail of the visual elements, even if the final product appears as simple as a traditional whiteboard video.
Now that we understand what whiteboard animation is, let’s explore how you can create one. Whether you are a traditional artist or a 3D artist looking to mimic this effect, here’s a step-by-step guide.
Like any other video project, start by crafting a clear outline of your story. This is essential for keeping your message concise and engaging. Define the key points you want to cover, and decide how you’ll visualize them. Keep the focus on simplicity—whiteboard animation thrives on visual storytelling that complements narration without overwhelming the viewer with details.
A good whiteboard video outline should have a clear message, ensuring that the purpose of the video—whether it's explaining a product, concept, or telling a story—is well-defined. It should follow a logical progression, breaking down the information into small, easily digestible steps that make the content easy to follow. Additionally, using visual metaphors is key to connecting emotionally with the audience, as images can represent ideas in a more engaging and relatable way.
After your outline, the next step is to sketch out a storyboard. This acts as a visual guide for your animation process and ensures that the visuals match your narration.
For 3D artists, your storyboards might start with rough 3D models. Instead of hand-drawing each frame from scratch, consider:
Using 3D models as a base: You can model characters and objects in 3D and use them as reference points. These can later be traced over in a drawing app like Photoshop or directly inside Blender using the Grease Pencil tool.
Deciding on the animation technique: You can create the full animation digitally, simulating the “drawn-on” effect via 3D modeling tools, or you can animate your models with NPR (non-photorealistic) rendering techniques.
Whether you're creating a 2D or 3D whiteboard animation, having the right software is essential. Here are some options for different approaches:
Video making software: Tools like VideoScribe, Explaindio, and Doodly are perfect for drag-and-drop whiteboard animation creation. These platforms often come with pre-built libraries of characters, props, and text to simplify the process.
Blender with Grease Pencil: Blender’s Grease Pencil feature is excellent for simulating hand-drawn effects. You can use addons like Grease Pencil from Mesh in conjunction with the Build Modifier to create the illusion of drawing lines over time.
NPR Rendering: For more advanced users, use NPR rendering techniques in Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender to give your 3D objects a hand-drawn look. Afterward, use tools like After Effects or Nuke to mask and reveal portions of your animation as if they are being sketched live.
Have a look at this tutorial by The Backyard Filmmakers, where they go through replicating the drawn look in After Effects:
If you are opting for the traditional route (drawing by hand), now is the time to draw and film your whiteboard animation. Set up a camera above your workspace and record as you draw each frame. The key is ensuring the flow of the video matches your storyboard, and that elements appear in a sequence that enhances the storytelling.
For 3D artists, this step can be simulated using digital tools. One approach is the opacity trick, where you animate over 3D models with a low-opacity layer. Afterward, the 3D model can be removed in post-production by adjusting contrast levels, leaving only the drawn animation visible. Another technique is using Blender’s Grease Pencil Build Modifier, which allows for the creation of animated strokes that appear progressively, effectively mimicking the hand-drawn effect of traditional whiteboard animations.
The next step is to record a voice-over. The strength of a whiteboard video lies in the clarity of its message, so make sure the narration is clear, concise, and engaging. Speak directly to the audience, guiding them through the story or concept.
Music and sound effects can also enhance your animation. Choose background music that complements your narrative without overpowering it. Sound effects like the sound of a pencil or marker scribbling can add realism, especially if you want to mimic the tactile feel of drawing.
Now it’s time to assemble all the pieces. Use video editing software like Premiere Pro, After Effects, or Blender’s video editor to combine the animations, voice-over, and sound effects. Pay special attention to syncing the visual elements with the narration. The goal is to have the visuals “drawn” in sync with what’s being said.
For 3D artists, you may want to include post-processing effects that further enhance the “hand-drawn” look. Use contrast adjustments, softening filters, and stylized outlines to give the final product a more organic feel.
Whiteboard videos come in a variety of styles, and choosing the right one depends on your target audience and message. Here are a few examples to inspire you:
Hand-Drawn Style- This is the most common type, where each element is drawn manually. For 3D artists, this can be recreated by tracing over 3D models using the Grease Pencil in Blender or drawing over NPR renders.
Cutout Style- Instead of drawing, this style uses pre-made images that are moved around the canvas. It’s simple but effective for storytelling. In 3D, this can be achieved by creating simple, flat models and animating them as if they are being placed onto the screen.
Real-Time Sketching Style- This advanced technique mimics the look of a hand sketching in real-time. 3D artists can simulate this using masking tools in After Effects or Nuke to reveal parts of a 3D render in sync with the narration.
Whiteboard animation is a versatile and engaging way to tell stories, explain concepts, and build brand awareness. Whether you're creating explainer videos for social media platforms like Instagram, or using it to present ideas internally, the possibilities are vast. For 3D artists, adopting this technique opens up a new world of possibilities, blending the clarity and simplicity of whiteboard animations with the depth and flexibility of 3D modeling.
With the right tools and techniques, you can create whiteboard animations that are both visually appealing and highly effective in delivering your message. So, get started on your next whiteboard video, and bring your ideas to life in a way that’s sure to captivate and inspire!
Before you go, check out Default Cube's interesting and entertaining approach for automating Whiteboard Animation videos:
